Review / Comments ::

Soundtracks and original motion picture scores are not strangers in my iTunes music library. There are a number of movies where I've been captivated by their soundtrack / score. Usually for me, if a movie has a great supporting score, it turns out to be a "keeper".

If you haven't seen Bicentennial Man (1999) with Robin Williams, I must recommend that you do. It's a remarkable movie, a masterpiece.

James Horner the composer and conductor for the soundtrack gives you an audible journey that matches the movie perfectly, as you follow the lead character Andrew.

Bicentennial Man is one of those movies where there is so much character build-up, that you don't want to see anything bad happen to it's main characters.

You feel the full range of emotions right along with the characters... and it's instrumental soundtrack makes those feelings for it's characters all the more justified.

Bicentennial Man has that finely tuned visual + audio combo which drives it right home to being spectacular for your eyes, ears, and heart.

If you've seen the movie (or when you do), the last instrumental offering (16) The Gift of Mortality, will bring a tear to your eye...

Bicentennial Man holds a special place in my heart, right along with it's soundtrack.

Rating ::

Top Pick!

Available At ::

Amazon.com US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
iTunes Music Store US (AAC Download w/ DRM)
Amazon.com US (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 1999 Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Review Date ::

Reviewed: June 2008
Last Updated: 06/26/2008
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© Copyright 2002 - 2008, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

» December 1st, 2007 ::

Welcome to a Christmas / Holiday 2007 Special:

It's that time of year again! This December marks our
2nd Annual Christmas / Holiday (Top 5 List) Special.

Comforting words, worth repeating...

It's hard to find someone who can't pick out a favorite holiday song from their childhood... you know, those old time classics that wash your troubles away... Why not cleanse your spirit, and find relief from the stress that comes with this hectic season, with some new holiday classics.

This year's list contains music bursting-full of holiday spirit. "The List," as with last year's, are perfect additions to your holidays this year, and for years to come. Bellow are my hand-picked top five favorites for this season; two of which are from independent artists. I've also included three honorable mentions.

I encourage you to take a moment and visit each artist's site, and listen to any available samples.  You can purchase digital downloads of all but two albums, so you can get most of them without having to deal with crowds and jam-packed stores.

I hope you and yours have safe and happy holidays!

Joshua - Reviewer / Webmaster

Continue on to the list!

Originally Posted: December, 2007 by Joshua
Last Updated: December, 2007 by Joshua
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Review / Comments ::

When I heard that Mannheim Steamroller was releasing a new album with "all new music" I was excited... since I'm a fan of the original early releases, and also it's been some time since Chip Davis has released new Christmas music.

[ + ] "All new music"

After popping the CD into my computer to import it into iTunes I noticed that the album comes in at a pitiful length of 42.5 minutes. What is wrong with musicians these days? CDs can hold up to 80 minutes of music, at the very least give us an hour of enjoyment.

[ - x2 ] Under 60 mins, and under 45 mins

Once I had imported the album into iTunes, it dutifully downloaded the correct album artwork and I went off to listen to the music on my iPod. I queued up the album and couldn't believe my ears. What was this repetitive garbage? The first track "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" was a major let down. I felt that the song has been beaten and dragged on and on for the just over 3.5 min song. It didn't end there. Almost all of the tracks contain repetitive melodies that quickly become extremely annoying.

[ - ] Annoying repetitiveness throughout most of the album

Track number 10: "Traditions of Christmas" is only 36 seconds long!!! It sounds as if it was music from a music box. I can't can't believe they would include a track that is only 36 seconds long.

[ - ] Included a 36 second track

Vocals. Yes I said vocals:

• "The Christmas Song," Johnny Mathis
• "Above the Northern Lights," Gene Nery
• "Frosty the Snowman," a synthesized style voice
• "Christmas Lullaby," Olivia Newton-John

[ - x2 ] Incorporated a synthesized style voice to "Frosty the Snowman" that repetitively repeats "Frosty" with a lame echo effect

"Masters in this Hall" was the only track that I felt had the traditional "Mannheim Steamroller" feel from their previous albums: emotion and musical depth... music you want to turn up. The only other track on the album that, in my opinion, had any value was 12. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" for it's use of saxophone and a downbeat relaxed feel.

Exclusive bonus track only available at iTunes?

WHAT!?!? Hello... Mannheim Steamroller? Include the "Bonus Track(s)" on the CD, so people buy the CD. Don't make the "Bonus Track(s)" a download only music store exclusive.

Lets see... I could download the 128 bit encoded, DRM encrusted, version of the album with a "bonus track" for $9.99, or I can spend a little more ~ $12.99 for a the CD version and get a better quality version. Which one do you think I'm going to go for? That's right the CD.

If you think I'm going to buy the album twice, you are sadly mistaken.

[ - ] Exclusive "Bonus Track(s)" NOT on the CD but only available if you purchase the complete album from a "digital download only music store"

This album is so pathetic that I've deleted all but two songs "Masters in this Hall" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from my iTunes music library. I can't believe I wasted 42.5 minutes listening to this album.

I'm barely willing to even give this album any star rating, but here goes: 1 out of 5 stars. I'm not even going to bother linking to where visitors can purchase it.

What a joke.

Chip, I fear the Steamroller is out-of-steam.

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  www.mannheimsteamroller.com

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2007 American Gramaphone

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 10/13/2007
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Prologue ::

I've had a special fondness for Native American Flute music ever-since being introduced to the music of R. Carlos Nakai while I was visiting my Grandparents in Arizona, spring '97.

Review / Comments ::

On July 13th, 2007 while listening to the Echoes radio program (program # 0718D), host John Diliberto introduced the second half hour with a special "Living Room Concert" featuring musician Jeff Ball. While Jeff may only claim to have a "few drops of Indian blood", he says it's "just enough to help me play wood-flute."

During this "Living Room Concert" for Echoes, Jeff performed a number of songs from his latest album, The Shape of Light...

Every time I listen to The Shape of Light I can't help but get lost in it's meditative beauty. Jeff is joined a number of other musicians on this spectacular album to create rich musical atmospheres, with other instruments such as the cello, violin, piano, acoustic guitar and the Hang.

Ball stands out from other Native American Flute players, in my opinion, because he features a group of other fine musicians that compliment his compositions. By mixing a traditional style of playing the flute with other instruments, The Shape of Light emanates a masterful soundscape for all to enjoy.

Hearing Jeff perform some of his music live on the Echoes radio program is what motivated me to get this and other albums from Ball. There was something about hearing it live that really resonated with me. I fully enjoy every track of this album and award The Shape of Light, 5 out of 5 stars.

Notes:

I find it interesting that The Shape of Light features a number of tracks from a previously released album from Jeff Ball: Touching Quiet.

A comparison of tracks:

TSOL = The Shape of Light
TQ = Touching Quiet

• 1. Finding Promise (TSOL) = 1. Finding Promise (TQ)
• 2. Metta Prayer (TSOL) = 2. The Shape of Light (TQ)
• 3. Escape of the Medicine Man (TSOL only)
• 4. The Shape of Light = 3. Struggle For What Never Was (TQ)
• 5. Tranquility (TSOL) = 4. Tranquility (TQ)
• 6. Getting There (TSOL) = 5. Getting There (TQ)
• 7. Ancestors In Daguerreotype (TSOL) = 6. Ancestors in Daguerreotype (TQ)
• 8. Never Alone (TSOL) = 7. Never Alone (TQ)
• 9. In Buffalo Skin (TSOL) = 8. In Buffalo Skin (TQ)
• 10. Drawing in Embers (TSOL) = 9. Drawing in Embers (TQ)

Ouch! Is The Shape of Light just a re-release of Touching Quiet with: one added song, and two track names being changed? Yup, I think it is. Further investigation shows that the track lengths are identical, the liner notes display the exact same quote by Ihab Hassan, and both liner notes include the same photos (with 2 extra photos added to TSOL).

I'm waiting to hear back from Ball, but the only thing I can guess is that by adding "Escape of the Medicine Man" and changing a few track names around allows Ball to release The Shape of Light under the © 2007 "Red Feather Music" label, since Touching Quiet is © 2005 by "Trailhead Flutes Inc."

You can find Touching Quiet for a lot less money, but I would suggest going with The Shape of Light; you get the music from Touching Quiet and a new song!

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  www.jeffball.net

Available At ::

CD Baby US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
Audio Lunchbox US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
iTunes Music Store US (AAC Download w/ DRM)
CD Baby US (CD)
Amazon.com US (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2007 Red Feather Music

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 10/06/2007
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» September 5th, 2007 ::

Cancer Update...

After numerous blood and urine tests, as well as a 3 - Day full-body nuclear imagining scan; my doctors report that there is no sign of any current cancer growth!

This exciting news has lifted my spirits and has brought peace of mind.

I can't thank enough those who kept me in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

I'll be tested every 3 months, then 6, then every year, if the tests come back negative.

The Lavender ribbon symbolizes "Cancer Awareness".

Originally Posted: September 5th, 2007 by Joshua
Last Updated: September 5th, 2007 by Joshua
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

» August 11th, 2007 ::

Lavender ribbons...

On July 5, 2007 a large mass was discovered in my colon via a colonoscopy. One week later I got a call that it was in-fact a fast-growing tumor that needed to be removed as soon as possible. One question they couldn't answer was whether or not it was benign or malignant; an answer they couldn't give me until they took it out.

Surgery was quickly scheduled and performed near the end of July. While still in the hospital recovering from the surgery, I found out... it was malignant.

After my stay in the hospital, I had to go back just a few days later, due to a complication the medications caused. I'm back home again, and slowly recovering, taking one day at a time.

You may notice the "Lavender ribbons" on the site. Lavender is the widely used / chosen color for general cancer awareness.

Follow-up :: "Cancer Update..."

The Lavender ribbon symbolizes "Cancer Awareness".

Links ::
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation

Originally Posted: August 11th, 2007 by Joshua
Last Updated: September 5th, 2007 by Joshua
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Review / Comments ::

Michael W. Smith's "Freedom" album is purely an orchestral masterpiece!

The album boldly opens with its title track "Freedom", which won me over the first time I listened to it. At just over three and a half minutes, this opener if you will, took my breath away by building up to a cinematic like climax about half way through the piece. I can't help but turn up the volume and let the experience wash over me whenever I listen to track number (1) Freedom.

(3) Carol Ann, for which the album is dedicated to, is a heartwarming piece. If you've ever lost anyone close, this dedication to Carol Ann might just tug ever so gently at your heart, bring a tear to your eye, and generate loving memories of him or her.

When I listen to (5) Hibernia, of course I think of Ireland; "Hibernia" being the Latin name for the island of Ireland. Maybe it's the toe tapping energetic feel, or maybe it could be the bagpipes, but this piece definitely lives up to its name.

With an active imagination, (7) Freedom Battle can transport you to the front lines. It starts out slow, calm and peaceful. Then a feeling of almost regret, sadness... followed by a strike, then another, and another. You are now in the heat of battle! Every encounter offers a new twist and turn, building to a climatic battle where it's all or nothing. Then a soft breeze clears the dust, the music now somber, yes the battle is over.

(10) The Call, the only track on this album to feature vocals, uses them to create... WOW. I can't accurately describe the energy that The Call conveys. It's stunning!

I've wanted to review Michael W. Smith's "Freedom" album ever since I finished the first track. For me at least, this album offers a gentle blend of emotions, from highs to lows and places in-between.

Freedom has been an inspiration, and it will take a lot to topple this album from my favorites list.

Rating ::

Top Pick!

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  michaelwsmith.com

Available At ::

michaelwsmith.com (CD)
iTunes Music Store (AAC Download w/ DRM)
Amazon.com (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2000 Reunion Records, Inc.

Review Date ::

Reviewed: July 2007
Last Updated: 07/24/2007
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» July 17th, 2007 ::

Supporting Cancer Awareness

The Lavender ribbon symbolizes "Cancer Awareness".
Detailed description to follow at a later time...

For more information, please read the following blog posts titled:
"Lavender ribbons..."
"Cancer Update..."

Links:
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation

Originally Posted: July 17th, 2007 by Joshua
Last Updated: September 5th, 2007 by Joshua
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» May 20th, 2007 ::

Online Store Launched

Visit our online store (via CafePress) and buy official Streams-of-Time coffee mugs and/or mousepads, available in multiple colors, with prices starting at $10.99 US!

All product names and logos are registered trademarks,
and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: Feast of Love & Joy Artist: Laura Sullivan Website: http://www.laura-sullivan.com/ Release: March 15, 2007 Label: Sentient Spirit Records ASIN: B000NNFSHY Buy: eMusic [MP3] (US) · iTunes [AAC] (US) · Amazon (US)

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: Visions and Dreams Artist: Catherine Duc Website: http://www.catherineduc.com/ Release: June 7, 2005 Label: The Orchard ASIN: B000A1IN3K Buy: Downloads: eMusic [MP3] (US) · iTunes [AAC] (US) CDs: CD Baby (US) · Amazon (US) · ...other sites and locations

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: Sanctuary Artist: Healing Garden Music Website: n/a (offline) Release: September 30, 2003 Label: Madacy Records ASIN: B0000C3I48 Buy: Amazon (US)

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: Everlasting Artist: Ryan Farish Website: http://www.ryanfarish.com/ Release: August 8, 2006 Label: Neurodisc Records ASIN: B000FUF8E8 Buy: eMusic [MP3] (US) · iTunes [AAC] (US) · Amazon (US)

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: The Carol of Emmanuel Artist: David Klinkenberg Website: http://www.davidklinkenberg.com/ Release: 2006 Label: Family Christian Stores ASIN: N/A Buy: Family Christian Stores Notes: I saw David perform live at a stop on Jim Brickman's Christmas Romance Holiday Tour [ read my review ]. This is a must have Christmas album! -- Just missed my posting of "Music for the Holidays". Hopefully David's music will appear on iTunes and Amazon soon.

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Click through to the review and find out how, this concert rekindled my passion for music.

Full Review: Jim Brickman Christmas Romance Holiday Concert 2006

Joshua - Reviewer / Webmaster

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to a Holiday 2006 Special:

It's hard to find someone who can't pick out a favoirte holiday song from their childhood... you know, those old time classics that wash your troubles away... Why not cleanse your spirit, and find relieve from the stress that comes with this hectic season, with some new holiday classics.

I would like to take a moment, and share with you some albums that will make perfect additions to your holidays this year and for years to come. I've selected my currently top five favorites, four of which are independent artists, as well as three honorable mentions.  I encourage you to take a moment and visit each artist's site, and listen to any available samples.  You can purchase digital downloads of all but two albums, so you can get most of them without having to deal with crowds and jam-packed stores.

I hope you and your's have safe and happy holidays!

Joshua - Reviewer / Webmaster

Continue on to the list!

All product names and logos are registered trademarks,
and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: An Ancient Muse (Bonus Track Versions) Artist: Loreena McKennitt Website: http://www.quinlanroad.com/ Release: November 21, 2006 Label: Quinlan Road Limited / Verve ASIN: B000J3EEBY * Buy: iTunes (US) · Barns & Noble (US) Notes: There are three cuts of "An Ancient Muse": a regular version, and two offering a bonus track. iTunes offers the album with: "Beneath a Phrygian Sky (Gordian Version)", Barns & Nobel's exclusive offers: "Raglan Road" * ASIN number represents the regular non-bonus track CD.

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Album: Escape Artist: Jim Brickman Website: http://www.jimbrickman.com/ Release: October 3, 2006 Label: SLG Records ASIN: B000I0QJIO * Buy: iTunes (US) · Amazon (US) Notes: There are two cuts of "Escape": a regular version, and one offering a bonus track. iTunes offers the album with: "To Hear You Say You Love Me" * ASIN number represents the regular non-bonus track CD.

All product names and logos are registered trademarks,
and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Joshua's Music Review Index ::

Below is a complete list of Joshua's reviews, in alphabetical order, updated to include the April 2005 postings...

Latest Additions ::

Complete Review List ::